Chua's magic is back

It took over a year before PBA Vice chairman Alfrancis Chua agreed to reprise his role as Gilas team manager and with the added responsibility as Gilas project director, he's ready to do his share in bringing the country's national basketball program to new heights.

- By JOAQUIN M. HENSON

Chua was Gilas team manager when the Philippines won the gold medal at the Asian Games in Hangzhou in October last year, ending a wait dating back to 1962. "I was away for 14 days and nagpatong-patong ang trabaho sa San Miguel, kaya 'di na ako nakabalik," he said. "It would be unfair to Gilas if I continued half-heartedly. But I never stopped supporting Gilas, joining meetings, sharing inputs behind the scenes. Then coach Tim (Cone), my tokayo (SBP president Al Panlilio) and PBA chairman Ricky (Vargas) continued to ask if I could return and with my boss RSA's (San Miguel Corp. CEO/chairman Ramon S. Ang) blessing, I accepted."